The consortium was the only one that
submitted a bid for the light rail vehicle (LRV) package — considered one of
the largest systems work packages under the LRT3 project — by the Nov 23
deadline last year, from among five groups that were prequalified in May.

Three more packages for the LRT3
project worth about RM2.5 billion and only available for Malaysian companies
will be awarded by end-August, according to Prasarana chief executive officer
(CEO) Datuk Seri Azmi Abdul Aziz, at the signing ceremony for the package awarded
to the CRRC-led consortium yesterday.

Prasarana is the asset owner and operator
of Malaysia’s public transport system, which includes LRT and monorail networks
that make up the major portion of Prasarana’s revenue.

Under the work package awarded yesterday,
the CRRC-led consortium will be responsible for the design, manufacture,
supply, delivery, installation, testing and commissioning of 42 six-car LRVs
for the LRT3 project.

“The LRT3 project is officially underway
and this award shows that our construction is gaining momentum,” said Prasarana
chairman Tan Sri Ismail Adam, who was also present at the ceremony.

“With the three companies’ proven track
record, experience and quality of delivery, I am confident that the work will
be completed within the time and cost,” said Ismail. Ismail said he expects
some transfer of technology would happen for Tegap Dinamik, a local partner, which
would be beneficial for both Malaysia and China.

CRRC Corp Ltd chairman Liu Hualong
said the collaboration on the project will enhance and strengthen the
friendship between the two countries.

“The formation of this consortium
will provide the necessary experience and skill sets to ensure the smooth
delivery of the works involved. We are looking forward to provide Malaysian
commuters with the delivery of superior LRVs that will ensure reliable performance
and topmost quality,” Liu said.

The Chinese players are confident
about completing the work in the next two years as soon as work commences
following the signing ceremony yesterday.

According to Liu, China’s One Belt,
One Road initiative has pushed for infrastructure development such as rail
transit projects.